Erika Poremski told television station WBAL in Baltimore she had stepped out of the house to go to her auto when a fire started Sunday, leaving her baby trapped on the home’s second floor.
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“She only had burns on her side because of it”, Ms Poremski said.
Poremski has burned on her face and hands from where she repeatedly tried to go into the house to get her little girl but was beaten back by the raging flames.
Erika Poremski said a fire broke out at her home while her daughter Viviana, and her dog, Polo, were still inside.
Polo the dog stayed by Viviana’s side and perished in the fire.
Baltimore City Fire Department spokesman Samuel Johnson said when crews arrived, the two-storey home had heavy fire and smoke showing from the first and second floors.
While Polo died before firefighters could reach him, paramedics were able to revive Viviana, who suffered burns to 19 per cent of her body, including severe burns to her face and limbs.
Firemen however didn’t give up, and when they finally got into the bedroom where the child was, they were astonished to see Polo lying on top of the baby, putting his own life at stake to protect her. Firefighters found her covered by Polo, a black curly haired dog that had spread his furry body across the baby. She was taken to the hospital shortly after. I couldn’t (get her out).
Erika says that she’s incredibly grateful for the support she’s received from even strangers. “She’s a really good girl I just hope she’s OK”.
“I couldn’t get to her and I tried really hard”.
When she turned back to find her house engulfed in flames, she could hear her 8-month-old daughter Viviana inside. I just don’t know why this stuff happens’. And she’s fighting and that’s it.
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A Gofundme page, which says Polo “died a hero”, has raised over $16,000 to help mother and daughter get back on their feet.
